Halite

Real mineral · common · NaCl

Sodium chloride deposited by evaporation of enclosed seas and saline lakes. Forms thick underground beds kilometres deep in some basins. Flows plastically under pressure, creating salt domes that trap petroleum deposits.

Identity

Formula

NaCl

Chemical class

halide

Also known as

Rock salt, Common salt, Table salt

Crystallography

Crystal system

cubic

Habits

cubic, massive, granular

Fracture

conchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

2.5

Density

2.17 g/cm³

Luster

vitreous

Colors

colorless, white, pink, red, yellow, blue, gray

Streak

white

Transparency

transparent, translucent

Geology

Origins

sedimentary

Host rocks

evaporite deposits

Associated minerals

Gypsum, Anhydrite, Sylvite, Calcite

Geography

worldwide

Classification

Rarity

common

Gem quality

No

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